FOLATE DEFICIENCY ANEMIA

FOLATE DEFICIENCY ANEMIA

Overview and Facts

Inadequate intake of folic acid will result in folate deficiency anemia. Folate or vitamin B9 plays a key role in the formation of red blood cells and promotes healthy cell growth and function. This is important in early pregnancy to avoid birth defects of the spine and brain.

People who consume less folate or who suffer from celiac disease gets folate deficiency anemia.

Normally, adults require 400 micrograms of folate everyday. Adult women who are pregnant or who are planning pregnancy must take 400 to 800 micrograms of folic acid on a daily basis.

Types and Symptoms

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of folate deficiency anemia are listed below:

  • Fatigue
  • Feeling lethargic
  • Headaches
  • Palpitations
  • Feeling dizzy
  • Pale skin
  • Tinnitus (hearing sounds coming from inside the body)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss

Other symptoms are:

 

  • Diarrhea
  • Reduced sense of taste
  • Muscle weakness
  • Depression
  • Numbness and tingling in the feet and hands

Diagnosis & Medications

Diagnosis

Diagnosis will require blood tests based on the symptoms. Your doctor will ask for different blood tests to identify folate or viamin B12 deficiency.

These test will examine:

  • Vitamin B12 levels in your blood
  • Folate levels in your blood
  • Whether you have lower hemoglobin levels
  • Whether you have larger red blood cells

Treatment

Folic acid tablets will be prescribed by your doctor to treat folate-deficiency anemia.

It is also recommended that you take folate-rich foods, which are listed below:

  • Brussels sprouts
  • Broccoli
  • Asparagus
  • Chickpeas
  • Peas
  • Brown rice

For most people who have folate deficiency four months of folic acid supplementation is enough. However, some people will have to extend it for more months or even for a lifetime depending on their health conditions.

Check your vitamin B12 levels before taking supplements.

If a folate deficiency goes unnoticed or untreated, your nervous system may get affected.

 

 

 

 

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